Explore the History, Tradition, and Legacy of Black Joy

by Lucie Raposo • Published on January 27, 2022 • Last modified on February 27, 2022

Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, George Floyd

For the past 10 years, media has inundated the public with the murders, inequalities, and protests of Black people in America. While communities across our nation have taken this time to re-educate and re-think their biases, Black people have been traumatized and exhausted watching these injustices unfold.

So, how has the Black community still found ways to laugh, create, and persevere through these tough times?

From award-winning actors, restaurateurs, mental health advocates, and spoken word artists, each episode of BLACK JOY will bring a unique perspective into how Rhode Island’s Black community draws upon joy as a source of strength. Through food, the arts, and mental health, we will explore the rich history and legacy of joy and how it is not only a place of refuge but also a necessity.

In honor of Black History Month, join Rhode Island PBS and Rhode Island College on Thursday, February 24, 2022 (snow date February 25) at 6 p.m. for the premiere of BLACK JOY, a Rhode Island PBS Original three-part series that shares the history, tradition, and legacy of joy in the Black community. Between the three short films, Rhode Island College students will perform live on stage at Roberts Auditorium. We wrap with a discussion with Rhode Island PBS producer Brianna Medina and guests from the production:

Julia Broome - Owner of Kin Southern Table & Bar
Akeem Lloyd - CEO/Founder of A Leadership Journey
Rudy Cabrera - Nationally-recognized Spoken Word Poet and Actor

Student performers will be:

The event is free. Seating is limited. Advance reservations are required. State COVID-19 precautions will be observed.*

The BLACK JOY series will be available On-Demand beginning Friday, February 25 at watch.ripbs.org. See direct links below.

*As of January 28, attendees of this event at Rhode Island College must:

Provide contact information through pre-registration or upon arrival
Provide proof of vaccination, including a booster of Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson.
If not fully vaccinated, provide proof of a negative test taken 72 hours before arrival on campus. Tests may be a PCR test taken 72 hours prior or an antigen test taken 6 hours prior. Home tests are not acceptable.

UPDATE: BLACK JOY is available on-demand:

Black Joy - Celebration: Artists delve into their childhoods and challenges, sharing personal stories that capture how art has been a source of joy and refuge to escape the world around them. Featuring Trinity Repertory Company director and actor Joe Wilson Jr., Mixed Magic Theater choir director Kim Pitts-Wiley, and nationally recognized poet Rudy Cabrera.

Black Joy - Perseverance: Julia Broome, owner of Kin, one of Rhode Island's only Black-owned soul food restaurants, and chef Kevin Johnson explain the importance of having a safe space for the Black community and how Kin has become a place of joy for many.

Black Joy - Strength: Akeem Lloyd and Bithja Meus from A Leadership Journey address mental health in the Black community. In the face of ongoing violence and injustice, Lloyd and Meus have made it their passion to empower young Black leaders in the community, equipping them with the mental and emotional strength to seek out joy in themselves.

This event is made possible in part by Rhode Island College.